Handling the Animal~

If you have no choice but to handle this animal, please remember the following:

(1) Prepare a container. You can use a cardboard box lined with a towel. Punch air holes in the container, and cover it with a lid. The idea is to keep the animal in a warm, dark place because they are less likely to be stressed in that situation (any more so than they already are).

(2) Protect yourself. Wear gloves to avoid being scratched, bitten, etc.

(3) Ensure the lid is secured to avoid an escape by the animal.

(4) Keep the container warm by putting half of it on a heating pad set on low. If you do not have a heating pad, you can also fill up a container (such as a bottle) with warm water. Be sure to wrap the bottle in a towel, as not to burn the animal.

(5) Keep the container in a quiet area until you can transport the animal to a rehabilitator.

(6) Remember exactly where you found the animal so it can be released in the same area. This is very important. For example, if a Eastern box turtle is released somewhere other than in its territory, it will literally walk until it starves to death in an attempt to find its prior territory.

(7) Always wash your hands after having contact with a wild animal. Remember to wash anything the animal came in contact with -- a towel, a pet carrier, or a jacket. This will help prevent the spread of diseases and/or parasites to both you and your pets.